Does the Thought of Dental Treatment Fill You with Dread?
If so, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
I’ve been there, too.
According to The Journal of Dental Hygiene, February 2017, more than 2 in 10 of us have some fear and some avoidance of dental procedures.
And more than 1 in 10 of us experience extreme fear and stress in the dental office, choosing to avoid care altogether.
With stats like these, it’s clear that fear of dental procedures is clearly not uncommon.
How might YOU be experiencing this?
Anxiety - the fear of what may occur that could cause pain and stress
Phobia - the avoidance of a specific aspect: an instrument, a sight, a sound, a smell that triggers fear
Post Traumatic Stress - fear and anxiety triggered by a previous negative dental event or other trauma activated by dental activities
Secondary Traumatic Stress - fear and anxiety triggered upon hearing of or witnessing another’s negative dental event
Regardless of its origins, dental fear can make your dental health visit so scary it can lead to avoiding critical dental care entirely. But it’s possible to change that. Starting with improved communication between dentist and patient, we can build trust and safety for everyone involved.
Here are a few Tips and Tools I shared with a dental group. If your dentist was able to take a bit of extra time for these, might they help you to feel more comfortable?
Tips for the dentist and assistants to help patients:
Ask and Listen: Keep shoulders down and relaxed, expression calm, ears open - communicate that you are not in a rush to begin.
Validate: Even if you struggle to understand it, validate the patient’s anxiety with affirmations. “I hear what you are saying.” “I appreciate that you shared that.”
Breath Practice with Patient: Encourage deep nasal breathing with the patient before you start. In4-Hold4-Out4-Hold4; 4 counts each or as many as available.
Communicate Your Moves: Patients in the chair have a limited view of the action. A way you can build trust and reduce fear is to name and describe every move you make and tool you use as you approach the boundaries of their peripheral view. To know what’s coming before it arrives promotes trust.
Tools you can use:
Washable squeeze/stress balls, stuffed animals (yes, for adults!)
Headphones for music or nature sounds
Weighted lap blanket (the swaddling feel is relaxing to some)
Therapy pet (a few offices have a small dog or other calming critter)
Let me know which of these techniques you’ve tried and how they worked for you.
Struggling with dental anxiety? Connect with me to receive tools and support from someone who gets it!
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